OregonCentral Region

Central Oregon, considered by many to be a
recreational paradise, is one of the state's fastest growing
regions. Rimmed on the west by the Deschutes River and on the
east by forests and lush farmland, Oregon's heartland is a
fusion of topography. Its northern border is framed by the
mighty Columbia River, which Lewis and Clark once navigated en
route to the Pacific Ocean. Its southern boundary is
characterized by long stretches of high desert, known as much
for their prehistoric fossil remains as for the exceptionally
small towns that dot Oregon's back roads.

Founded more than a century ago by Oregon Trail emigrants,
Central Oregon is home to the burgeoning city of
Bend, which has more than tripled its population in the last
15 years. Recreational attractions such as the Newberry National
Volcanic Monument and the exceptional ski and snowboarding
opportunities of the nearby
Cascade Mountains make
Bend an irresistible choice for many. It's exceptionally arid
climate and frequent blue skies are reminiscent of Southern
California escapes that offer a blend of urban and semi-rural
attractions' along with the open backcountry terrain that has
made the Northwest famous.

Central Oregon's true claim to fame however, may be its
accessibility. Less than 3 hours from both
Portland and
Eugene, Oregon and
two hours from Oregon's historic Crater Lake, Bend and nearby
attractions are relatively easy to reach. A good road system
links Oregon's heartland with outlying regions and lends to
numerous driving tours. For those who can't make up their minds
between windsailing on the Columbia, hiking the backcountry of
the Ochoco National Forest and surveying Oregon's unusual
prehistoric fossil remains, diversity is at easy reach.

For more details on Central Oregon, please click on the cities
and towns listed below:

Oregon:
An Explorer's Guide 3d Edition by Denise Fainberg. New color highlights
make it easier to find the info you need. Includes: getting there,
getting around, what to see, what to do, green space, family activities,
where to stay and eat, entertainment, selective shopping, special
events, and more. Color highlights throughout, 100 black-and-white photographs.
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Backroads & Byways of Oregon: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend
Excursions by Crystal Wood. With natives as your guides, this series
leads you down the road less traveled. Offering up 11 distinctive
road trips and weekend getaways-from the awe-inspiring Oregon Coast
to the geological wonders of Mt. Hood-this one-of-a-kind guide
reveals the quirks and little-known delights of the "real" Oregon.
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